If not for the title on her chef’s coat, you really wouldn’t have any idea that Brandy Williamson is an executive chef — quiet, soft spoken but personable, always quick to offer a firm handshake or a smile.

I first had the opportunity to meet the North Carolina native a couple of years ago as part of a fundraiser with Local 11 Ten, one of two Savannah restaurants whose kitchens she runs. We talked about fresh food, the farm-to-table concept that has become all the rage, and how much she enjoys working with something new almost every day.

It’s not uncommon at all, in fact, to find her strolling through the Forsyth Farmers’ Market on a Saturday morning, making up her menu for that night as she walks along. That’s part of Brandy’s fascination with the job. Seven or so years now she’s been part of this community. Like so many others, Brandy says, “I moved here and fell in love” with Savannah in 2005.

As these stories typically go, girl graduates from school, moves on to a city of her choice, finds a great job — in this case, at The Sapphire Grill — finds a significant other, settles down, buys a house, has a baby and lives happily ever after, right? It’s a story as old as the hills.

Truth be told, all of that has happened to Brandy. She’s now at the point where she is expecting her first child — but with a twist.

The child is not hers.

She is carrying it for her sister, Crystal.

An emotional trial

While Brandy was growing as a chef and settling into a career groove, Crystal was doing all the same things in Michigan.

Crystal and her husband, Joel, were married in September 2000. About a year later, they decided it was time for children. But things didn’t happen as planned.

Eventually, with nature failing to take its course, it was time for a medical explanation.

Exhausted and drained, Crystal recalls, “We had our remaining embryos cryogenically frozen to attempt a frozen embryo transfer, but the embryos did not survive the thaw. So we took a break from all this fertility stuff for a while.”

Adoption also was discussed, but the price tag and other barriers were enough of a deterrent from making it a viable option for the couple.

An incredible offer

Meanwhile, after five years working her way up the ladder, learning the ropes in a real kitchen, Brandy finally set out on her own when she landed her current spot at Local 11 Ten.

Two sisters, thousands of miles apart, each carving out their lives.

Finally, in January of this year, in a position where she felt comfortable, Brandy addressed an offer that had been put on the table before, but never really taken seriously.

“I asked her if I could have a baby for her,” Brandy says.

“I was at my desk at work,” Crystal recalls. “I started to cry. I immediately called Joel and told him.

“He was hesitant, as was I. She’s my baby sister, and I am very protective of her. I didn’t want her to feel pressured in any way to do this.”

But according to Brandy, “it was something I had been thinking about for a long time. ... The timing was never right. Now, I’m settled in with my career and I can dictate my schedule a little if need be — it made it the perfect time.”

Six months later, Brandy was pregnant.

Then there was the matter of telling her boss.

“I told Jamie (Durrence) I needed to speak to him outside,” Brandy recalls. “So we walked out there and I said, ‘Look, I’m pregnant.’”

Right in front of the new Public Kitchen and Bar on the corner of Bull and Liberty, where Brandy is also executive chef.

“He was shocked,” she says. “I mean, we were right in the middle of opening a new restaurant.

“For the first three months of my pregnancy, I was building the menu and having to taste recipes, which is quite difficult when you have morning sickness that lasts all day, as well as building shelves and unpacking equipment,” Brandy admits. “All while keeping Local 11 Ten under control.”

A Christmas miracle

The 30-year-old chef is now about 25 weeks pregnant with Crystal and Joel’s child, a boy. They do know that, as well as the name they’d like to give him, but are keeping that a secret for now.

The couple made the announcement on Facebook with some “belly graffiti” from Brandy. It’s obvious from talking to her that she is choosing to make this journey fun, even if sis is a little nerve-wracked thousands of miles away in Michigan.

“We wish we could be there with her every step of the way, but of course we can’t,” Crystal says. “We send her frequent gifts and maternity clothes, she sends us weekly belly pics.”

They have a baby shower planned in Michigan for January. Their baby boy is due in April.

They’ve even gone high-tech.

“Joel and I recorded ourselves reading children stories on audio files,” Crystal says. “Brandy puts headphones on her belly and plays them so our baby can hear our voices.

“It has been an incredible experience for us,” Crystal says. “Joel has always wanted to be a dad and coach a little league team. Now we will have that opportunity.”

“The time is always right to do what is right,” Brandy adds. “Maybe my story can inspire someone else to do something selfless for the holidays.”

Ah, yes, the holidays. Christmas Day.

They won’t spend today together being so far apart, but waiting a few months to get the ultimate gift certainly won’t phase Joel and Crystal Franklin a bit.

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